The TUC yesterday called on the government to give emergency aid to regions hit by manufacturing job losses under a plan to tackle the major crisis in the industry.

The TUC has published a 30-point programme aimed at giving firms a breathing space over the next year.

TUC general secretary John Monks attacked those who claimed manufacturing no longer matters. He said that they showed a "breath-taking ignorance" of the economy. He went on to say, "Britain needs a prosperous and productive manufacturing sector. The idea that we can live by services alone is nonsense. The government has done many good things, but it needs a coherent and determined strategy to tackle the manufacturing crisis."

Suggestions from the TUC include reforming the Department of Trade and Industry, helping workers looking for new jobs, and an extra drive to promote investment, and the additional setting up of a manufacturing unit within the Cabinet Office.